And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king's, saying,

2 CHRONICLES 34:20KJV
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2 Chronicles 34:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 34:20 mean?

2 Chronicles 34:20 shows King Josiah giving orders to several of his officials after hearing the reading of the Book of the Law. The verse lists the names and roles of the people Josiah commands, indicating he is about to send them on an important mission.

King Josiah is speaking to his high priest Hilkiah, along with Ahikam, Abdon, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah, who serves the king. This moment comes right after the discovery of the lost Book of the Law during temple repairs, and Josiah’s command signals the start of a response to what he has just learned. The verse sets up the next steps in the story, where Josiah seeks guidance about the meaning and consequences of the words found in the scroll.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 34:20

  • מֶלֶךְ (melech, "king"): This word identifies Josiah as the one with authority, emphasizing that the following actions are official royal commands.
  • צִוָּה (tsivvah, "commanded"): This verb shows Josiah is not just making a suggestion but giving a direct order, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of his response.
  • סֹפֵר (sofer, "scribe"): Shaphan’s role as a scribe means he is responsible for official records and communication, showing why he is included in this group.
  • עֶבֶד (eved, "servant"): Asaiah is called a servant of the king, which often means a trusted official or aide, not just a household servant. This shows Josiah is involving his closest and most reliable people.

Why 2 Chronicles 34:20 matters

  • This verse shows Josiah’s immediate and serious reaction to the discovery of the Book of the Law, highlighting his leadership and concern for following God’s instructions.
  • Listing the specific officials involved shows the importance of the task and the trust Josiah places in these men, setting up the next events where they will seek prophetic guidance.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of spiritual reform in Judah, marking a turning point where Josiah moves from hearing God’s word to taking action.

Where else these words appear

“Abdon” Hebrew H5658 · used in 8 verses

  • Joshua 21:30 And out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs,
  • Judges 12:15 And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalekites.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:23 And Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,

“Asaiah” Hebrew H6222 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Kings 22:12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,
  • 1 Chronicles 4:36 And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,
  • 1 Chronicles 9:5 And of the Shilonites; Asaiah the firstborn, and his sons.

“Ahikam” Hebrew H296 · used in 20 verses

  • 2 Kings 22:12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,
  • Jeremiah 40:6 Then went Jeremiah unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and dwelt with him among the people that were left in the land.
  • Jeremiah 41:1 Now it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came unto Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they did eat bread together in Mizpah.

“Shaphan” Hebrew H8227 · used in 28 verses

  • Leviticus 11:5 And the coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you.
  • 2 Chronicles 34:8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the LORD his God.
  • Jeremiah 36:11 When Michaiah the son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of the LORD,